When downloading a large file, the user probably wants to know how long it will take. Some programs show download speed and estimated download time, others do not. In the latter case, one should resort to the simplest calculations.
Instructions
Step 1
Many download managers are created taking into account user requests, so they show both the already spent downloading and the approximate time remaining. For example, this is exactly how programs designed to download files from torrents behave. In addition to the time, the percentage of file downloads is also indicated, which makes it possible to fairly accurately estimate the remaining download time.
Step 2
In the event that you download a file without using specialized software, the download time can be determined by knowing the file size and download speed. For example, if the file size is 100 megabytes, and the download speed is 50 kilobytes per second, then the time will be: 1024 × 100/50 = 2048 seconds or a little more than 34 minutes.
Step 3
Remember that internet speed and actual download speed are two different things. For example, your connection speed is 100 megabits. Since there are 8 bits in a byte, then 100 megabits = 12, 5 megabytes per second. This means that you have to download a file of 125 megabytes in 10 seconds. But the real download speed is usually 50-150 kilobytes per second. It is influenced by many factors, including the load on the server channel from which you download the file. Therefore, see the real download speed and use it to calculate the file download time.
Step 4
When downloading large files and insufficient quality Internet, be sure to use a download manager, for example, FlashGet. Such programs not only help to control the download speed and the remaining time, but also allow you to download the file when the connection is broken. Please note that download times are always approximate and depend on changes in download speed.
Step 5
In some cases, you can use a high-quality proxy server to speed up the download. Having a good channel, it will quickly download the desired file and transfer it to you. As a result, downloading will take less time than without using a proxy. This method is useful if you have a slow connection.
